Practical Nursing (Diploma) Application Packet
The information in this packet is for application to the 2018-2019 Practical Nursing program which begins
with nursing coursework in the fall of 2018. We will accept applications from June 15, 2017 through
February 15, 2018. Applications received after February 15, 2018 will not be considered for the fall 2018
start date. Successful completion of prerequisites is required prior to beginning the nursing program.
This packet includes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Practical Nursing Program Application Checklist and Practical Nursing Program addresses.
Nursing Education Program Technical Standards.
Practical Nursing Program Application.
Testing Dates and Registration form for PSB Nursing Aptitude Test.
Practical Nursing Program Sheet.
Practical Nursing Program Application Checklist
The following are required by the February 15 deadline.
_____ Application for Admission to the College and submit a one-time non-refundable $20 application fee.
www.mnwest.edu/admissions/apply. If you’ve attended Minnesota West and have previously paid the application fee you
are not required to do so again.
_____ Complete Accuplacer assessment test.
_____ Submit official high school and college transcripts or copy of GED certificate.
_____ Complete Practical Nursing Program Application.
_____ Registration for PSB Nursing Aptitude Test.
_____ Complete PSB Nursing Aptitude Test.
Testing for the PSB Nursing Aptitude Test is limited to three attempts in an application
period (June 15 through February 15). If you retest, you must wait one month before retesting. PSB test scores are valid for two years.
Send completed application to:
Nursing Admissions
Minnesota West – Worthington Campus
1450 Collegeway
Worthington, MN 56187
For questions, contact: [email protected] or 507-825-6806
Revised:6/8/2017
Important Information
Please Read
Practical Nursing Prerequisites
At the time of application, you must have completed or be in the process of completing all of the
nursing program prerequisites. Prospective, transfer, current and returning students to Minnesota
West should contact the campus Student Services Office for help with course advising regarding
the nursing program.
 Completion of a federally approved NA/HHA (Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide) course of
75 hours or more in length after 1990.
a. If a NA/HHA course has been taken within the past 3 years, the student is not required to
be on the MN NA Registry.
b. If a NA/HHA course is greater than 3 years old, the student must be on the MN NA Registry.
c. A test out is available for those students that have taken a course after 1990 and need to
obtain certification on the Minnesota NA Registry.
Clarification: If a student is just taking the NA course to meet the NA requirement for the
nursing program, they do not need to test out at the end. However, the student will not be
certified as a NA/HHA and will not be able to work in this role without the test out.
 Successful completion of BIOL 1115 - Human Biology, BIOL 1110 – Principles of Biology or
equivalent biology course.
 Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association-Basic Life Support or
American Red Cross-CPR for Professional Rescuer. You must remain CPR certified through the
completion of the program.
Program Costs
Tuition and fees are posted on our website at www.mnwest.edu and are subject to change. Additional
costs include:
 $12.50 per credit for fully online courses
 $20 per credit for all nursing labs
 $40 per credit fee for all nursing clinicals
 Supplies, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses
 Nursing Pin upon graduation
Transcripts
Official high school and college transcripts must be submitted to the Nursing Department at Minnesota
West by the February 15 deadline. Final official transcripts must be forwarded after you complete
courses that are in progress. Some general courses required for nursing programs have a time limit
of five (5) years (i.e., Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Developmental Psychology).
Selection Process
Admission to the nursing programs is competitive. Applicants who have met the minimum admission
requirements by February 15th will be reviewed for fall admission to the program.
Admission to the nursing program is determined by a screening committee based on the following
criteria:
 Nursing test scores (PSB test for Practical Nursing and NLN test for Nursing, A.S.)
 College GPA
 Coursework related to the degree requirements for the nursing program. Minnesota West will
evaluate the college transcripts and post transfer credits to your Minnesota West transcript in
accordance with Minnesota State policy 3.21. You are encouraged to complete non-nursing
courses prior to beginning nursing courses.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements or fail to complete the nursing
program admission process by the February 15 deadline will be denied admission to the nursing
program. Minnesota West will notify all applicants in writing of their admission status in the nursing
program within six weeks of the application deadline. Please do not call to check on your admission
status before April 1.
Requirements after Acceptance to the Nursing Program
1. Successful completion of all prerequisite coursework.
2. Current health insurance.
3. Background Check. Minnesota health care agencies used for clinical experiences are required to
obtain background checks on personnel providing direct patient care, including student nurses.
You must sign and submit a student background check form at orientation. Some clinical sites
may require an additional background check.
4. You are required to meet certain requirements before beginning your clinical experience. These
include completion and submission of:
a. Health History Form for Nursing/Allied Health Students. This form includes required
immunizations/tests for Tuberculin (Mantoux) test, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella),
Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B series, Polio/Oral, and Chicken Pox.
b. Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association-Basic Life Support or
American Red Cross-CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
5. You are responsible for transportation costs for nursing clinical experiences, health
examinations, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, etc.
6. You are required to take a standardized achievement examination near the completion of the
program. You are responsible for the cost of the examination.
7. Retention in the program is contingent upon compliance with the academic policies stated in the
Nursing Student Handbook available online.
(Minnesota West reserves the right to modify admission requirements and/or curriculum for the 2018-2019 Practical Nursing program)
Nursing Education Program Technical Standards
These technical standards are required abilities for effective performance in Minnesota State nursing education programs. The standards are
compatible with the scope of practice as defined by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing. The examples show how a standard may be applied in
entry-level nursing education programs. The examples listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be a complete list of all tasks in
an entry-level nursing program.
Reasonable accommodations to meet standards may be available for otherwise program- qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact the
college/university’s Disability Services Office as soon as possible for more information if you think you may need an accommodation for a disability.
Capability
Cognitive Perception
Critical Thinking
Careful thought, reasoned judgment.
Differentiated from personal opinion and
superficial memorization of facts by the ability to
obtain and use an appropriate quantity and
quality of data for a given situation. Critical
thinkers question assumptions, routines, and
rituals, reconsider “known facts” when new
information becomes available and develop new
“rules” when old ones fail or unavailable.
Capability
Motor Skills
Mobility
Activity Tolerance
Standard
Examples
INTELLECTUAL
The ability to perceive events realistically, to
Identify changes in client health status.
think clearly and rationally, and to function
Prioritize multiple nursing activities in a variety
appropriately in routine and stressful situations. of situations.
Students must be able to independently and
accurately assess or contribute to the
assessment of a client.
Critical thinking skills demanded of nurses
require the ability to learn and reason, to
integrate, analyze and synthesize data
concurrently. Students must be able to solve
problems rapidly, consider alternatives and
make a decision for managing or intervening in
the care of a client.
Able to make effective decisions in the
classroom and in the clinical sites.
Develop/contribute to nursing care plans that
accurately reflect client concerns..
Able to make decisions reflective of classroom
learning in the clinical sites.
Standard
Examples
MOTOR SKILLS
Ambulatory capability sufficient to maintain a Position clients
Reach, manipulate, and operate equipment,
center of gravity when met with an opposing
force as in lifting, supporting, and/or transferring instruments and supplies, e.g. syringes, sterile
equipment, and monitors.
a client.
Perform/use electronic documentation.
Lift, carry, push and pull.
Perform CPR.
Ambulatory capability sufficient to maintain a Propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., alone or
with assistance as available.
center of gravity when met with an opposing
force as in lifting, supporting, and/or transferring Transport supplies to client room.
Work around bedside with other personnel.
a client.
Lift a child.
Move and lift clients in and out of bed,
wheelchair or cart.
Assist with transfer and walking of patients
who may require substantial support.
Ability to tolerate lengthy periods of physical
Move quickly and/or continuously.
activity.
Tolerate long periods of standing and/or sitting.
Capability
Communication
Interpersonal Relationships
Capability
Hearing
Standard
Examples
COMMUNICATIONS
Communicate in English with others in oral and Utilize oral and written communication skills
sufficiently for teaching/learning and for
written form.
interaction with others.
Able to communicate with clients and members Read, understand, write, and speak English.
Explain treatment procedures.
of the health care team in order to plan and
Initiate and/or reinforce health teaching.
deliver safe care.
Document client responses.
Clarify communications received.
Interact with clients, families, staff, peers,
Establish rapport with clients, families, and
instructors, and groups from a variety of social, colleagues.
emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Respond in a professional/therapeutic manner to a
variety of client expressions and behaviors.
Standard
SENSES
Auditory ability sufficient to hear normal
conversation and/or assess health needs.
Examples
Standard
PSYCHOSOCIAL
Possess the emotional health required for full
use of intellectual abilities, the exercise of good
judgment, and the prompt and safe completion
of all responsibilities.
Examples
Ability to monitor alarms, emergency signals,
auscultatory sounds, e.g. B/P, heart, lung, and
bowel sounds, cries for help, and telephone
interactions/dictation.
Communicates with clients, families and
colleagues.
Visual ability sufficient for observation,
Observes client responses.
assessment, and performance of safe nursing
Discriminates color changes.
care.
Accurately reads measurement on client-related
equipment.
Read medication label.
Read syringe accurately.
Evaluate for a safe environment.
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, Performs palpation, e.g. pulse.
inclusive of size, shape, temperature and
Performs functions of physical examination and/or
texture.
those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g.
insertion of a catheter.
Vision
Tactile
Capability
Psychosocial Behaviors
Capability
Environmental Adaptability
Standard
ENVIRONMENTAL
Ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
Demonstrate professional abilities of trustworthiness, empathy, integrity, and confidentiality.
Be able to change and display flexibility.
Learn to function in the face of uncertainties and
stressful situations.
Examples
Work with chemicals and detergents.
Tolerate exposure to odors.
Work in close proximity to others.
Work in areas of potential physical violence.
Work with infectious agents and blood-borne
pathogens.
Work in environments that may have allergens,
such as latex.
A task force of representatives from nursing education in Minnesota developed these Technical Standards. Educational institutions represented were: Bemidji State University, The College
of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, Itasca Community College, Rainy River Community College, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, Hibbing Community College, and
Riverland Community and Technical College. Adaptations were made from the Core Performance Standards of the University of Arizona, Minnesota West Practical Nursing Program, and
Iowa Community Colleges.
Presented to Minnesota Practical Nursing Education Directors’ Association on 5/3/02 1/24/03, and 4/4/03.Revised 10/11/02, 1/21/03, 3/28/03
Presented and revised by Minnesota Practical Nursing Education and Associate Degree Education Directors’ Association on 1/29/10.
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
APPLICATION
DEADLINE
The application deadline for the 2018-2019 Practical Nursing Program is February 15, 2018. All supporting documentation MUST
be received by the Nursing Department by February 15, 2018. Late applications, transcripts, and/or supporting documentation
will NOT be considered.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Please answer all the questions on this application. If you do not, your admission to Minnesota West will
be delayed. Items in this section will be used for identification and to determine admission. Items will also be used for advising and
counseling, course placement, financial aid decisions, and institutional research.
PERSONAL DATA
___________________________________ Social Security Number (Providing your social security number is voluntary. If you do not provide
this number, your application will still be processed. Many colleges/universities use Social Security numbers for student identification purposes on internal student
records. The number may be used for purposes of administration, program evaluation, consumer and alumni data, and also may be used to create summary
information about system programs through data matches with other state agencies. Without the information, there may be a delay in your ability to receive financial
aid or to register for classes. (International students and non-immigrants must complete the international application form and be admitted as international
students before they can be accepted into the nursing program)
Name (Last, First, Middle)
Name used on high school records or other education records and transcripts if different from above
Current Mailing Address
City
State
Zip Code
Country
Permanent Address, if different from above
City
State
Zip Code
Country
Home Phone
Work/Business/Day Time Phone
Cell Phone
Email Address
ADMISSION DATA
Please refer to the nursing program descriptions at www.mnwest.edu/admissions/nursing.Indicate the location you are applying to by checking the
appropriate box. Our nursing programs begin in the fall of each year. We recommend that you complete the general education coursework before
acceptance into the nursing program.

Practical Nursing (select one)
Fall Semester, 2018
Please be aware that labs and clinical courses require travel to a nursing lab or clinical site. The selections below relate to
theory coursework only.
□
□
□
□
Granite Falls Campus in Granite Falls, MN – Face to Face and/or ITV
Pipestone Campus in Pipestone, MN – Face-to-Face and/or ITV
Worthington Campus in Worthington, MN – Face-to-Face and/or ITV
Online theory coursework
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
By signing below, I agree to the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
This application is valid only for the semester for which I have applied. If necessary, it will be my responsibility to reapply.
I have reviewed and understand that I must successfully complete the prerequisites prior to the fall 2018 semester.
I have reviewed and understand that I must successfully complete the admission requirements.
I understand that if information is missing from my file, I will NOT be admitted to the Practical Nursing Program.
Signature (required by all applicants)
All of the information included is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that misrepresentation of application
information is sufficient grounds for canceling admission. I have read and understand the general nursing information, the
application process and the admissions criteria as outlined at www.mnwest.edu/admissions/nursing.


All applicants will be notified in writing of admission status within six weeks of deadline
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please initial here ______________
________________________________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________________________________
Date
Send completed application to:
Nursing Admissions
Minnesota West – Worthington Campus
1450 Collegeway
Worthington, MN 56187
For questions, contact: [email protected] or 507-825-6806
An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer
PSB NURSING APTITUDE TEST
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
Sample questions are available at http://www.ccri.edu/avp-students/word-docs/psbstudypacket.doc;
http://www2.cfcc.edu/learninglab/placement-test-preparation/psb/2/; http://www.psbtests.com/web/guest/test-resources/;
http://www.nursing-exams.ca/exams/psb.html. Contact your campus LARC for additional resources that are available for checkout.
The PSB Nursing Aptitude Test is a requirement for all applicants to the Practical Nursing Program. This three-hour computer-based test is
composed of sections on math, natural science, reading, spelling, English and judgment. The cost for the PSB test is $32.00. You will be required to
present a valid photo ID at the time of testing.
Testing for the PSB Nursing Aptitude Test is limited to three attempts in an application period (June 15th through February 15th). If you retest,
you must wait one month before retesting. PSB test are valid for two years.
Canby

Wednesday February 7, 2018 at 9:00 am Room 108
Granite Falls
 Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm Room 113
 Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm Room 113
 Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm Room 113
Pipestone
 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 9:30 am Room 203
 Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 9:30 am Room 203
 Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 9:30 am Room 203
Worthington
 Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 9:00 am Room 606
 Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 12:00 noon Room 606
 Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 9:00 am Room 606
 Monday, February 12, 2018 at 12:00 noon Room 606
This is a proctored computer test that starts PROMPTLY at the time indicated. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. For driving directions
go to www.mnwest.edu/campuses and click on the campus where you will test.
Please complete and return the lower portion of this form with your check or money order. Registration is not complete unless accompanied by
your $32.00 test fee. A valid email address is required for confirmation notification of your registration.


COMPLETE, DETACH AND RETURN WITH YOUR $32.00 TEST FEE TO:
Jodi Christensen Minnesota West Pipestone Campus PO Box 250 Pipestone, MN 56164



Name: ___________________________________________________________Day Time Phone Number __________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(House/Apartment Number, Street, PO Box/Rural Route)
City
State
Zip Code
E-mail address required for confirmation of registration (please print) ________________________________________________________________
I plan to take the PSB test on _________________________________________ at the __________________________________________ campus
Test Dates updated: 6/7/2017
Practical Nursing, Diploma
Practical Nursing is designed to create upward mobility nursing education opportunities. After successful
completion of the Practical Nursing Program, students will receive the Practical Nursing Diploma and be
eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination. Students may exit at this point or continue in the program to
receive the Associate Degree in Nursing and are then eligible to take the RN licensing examination.
PREREQUISITES: These must be taken prior to starting the nursing program: BIOL 1115 Human Biology or
equivalent biology course is required before taking Anatomy, Nursing Assistant course, AHA CPR for
Healthcare Provider or equivalent certification course. (Certification must be the American Heart Association-Basic Life
Support or American Red Cross-CPR for Professional Rescuer). You must remain certified through the completion of the
program.
The following course sequence is required for completion of this program. Only students who have been
accepted into the Nursing program are allowed to take the nursing courses. The non-nursing courses listed
may be taken either before or during the program, with the exception of the prerequisite courses which must
be taken before the beginning of the program. Recommended courses for Practical Nursing Program: MATH
1111 College Algebra, BIOL 2245 Medical Terminology, and CSCI 1102 Introduction to Microcomputers.
BIOL 1115
Prerequisites
Human Biology
3
OR
BIOL 1110
BIOL 2201
NURS 1100
NURS 1120
NURS 1130
NURS 1140
NURS 1180
Principles of Biology
Fall Semester
Anatomy
4
Principles & Practices of Nursing 4
Nursing of the Adult I
3
Pharmacology I
2
Nursing Skills Lab
2
* Clinical Applications I
2
4
PSYC 1150
NURS 1220
NURS 1230
NURS 1250
NURS 1280
Spring Semester
Developmental Psychology
Nursing of the Adult II
Pharmacology II
Family Nursing
* Clinical Applications II
3
5
1
2
6
NURS 1295
May Term
PN Integration
2
Notes: Practical nursing students are required to participate in the ATI Integrated Testing Program. Required end of
program assessment will include:
 Completion of a ATI Integrated predictor exam prior to graduation
 Completion of a ATI Review course prior to authorization to test for NCLEX-PN exam
* Clinical situations are a part of the program and are completed in area healthcare facilities located in southwest
Minnesota. On-campus and distance learning students need to be prepared to travel to local clinical sites as a
program requirement.
si 5/12/2017
Nursing, A.S. (Registered Nurse)
Nursing A.S. is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to obtain the Associate of Science Nursing
Degree. It is an entrance point for mobility students who have graduated from another nursing program or have
completed Minnesota West's Practical Nursing Program. After successful completion of the Nursing A.S.
Program, students are awarded the Associate of Science (AS) Nursing Degree and are then eligible to take the
NCLEX-RN examination. Students are also eligible to articulate to BSN/BAN programs in the Minnesota State
system.
2017 – 2018 Admission Requirements:
(Minnesota West reserves the right to modify admission requirements and/or curriculum for the 2018-2019 AS Nursing program)
For Minnesota West Practical Nursing students applying to progress to the AS Nursing program:
1. Licensed as an LPN by August 1.
2. Cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 in BIOL 2201 (Anatomy), BIOL 2202 (Physiology), ENGL 1101
(Composition I), and PSYC 1150 (Developmental Psychology)
3. No grade lower than a “C” is accepted in any course required for the AS Nursing program (including
prerequisites).
For licensed LPN’s applying to enter the AS Nursing program:
1. Licensed as an LPN by August 1.
2. Cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 in BIOL 2201 (Anatomy), BIOL 2202 (Physiology), ENGL 1101
(Composition I), and PSYC 1150 (Developmental Psychology).
3. No grade lower than a “C” is accepted in any course required for the AS Nursing program (including
prerequisites).
4. Minimum decision score of 80 on the National League for Nursing (NLN) NACE I Foundations Entrance
Exam. Applicants may only take entrance exam twice in an application period, one month apart.
Entrance exam scores are valid for a two-year period of time.
NURS 2000, Transition into Professional Nursing Education (1 credit), is required prior to entrance into Fall
Semester nursing classes for students who have graduated from another nursing program or are returning to
Minnesota West's Nursing Program.
The following course sequence is required for completion of this program. Only students who have been
accepted into the Nursing program are allowed to take the nursing courses. The prerequisite courses shown
must be completed before beginning the program.
Nursing AS Curriculum
Page 1 of 2
Prerequisites
(The following prerequisite courses shown must be completed before beginning the program.)
Practical Nursing Diploma OR completion of Practical Nursing program (Advanced Standing) 10
BIOL 2201
Anatomy
4
BIOL 2202
Physiology
4
PSYC 1150 Developmental Psychology
3
ENGL 1101 Composition I
3
Co-requisite courses
(The following General Education courses may be taken prior to beginning or during AS Program. Must be completed prior to graduation.)
SPCH 1101
SPCH 1103
PHIL 2101
Introduction to Speech
Or
Interpersonal Communications
Sociology Elective
Ethics Theory and Practices (medical focus)
Electives (Composition II and College Math recommended)
3
3
3
3
7
Fall Semester
NURS 2125
NURS 2130
NURS 2145
NURS 2150
NURS 2190
Patient Centered Care I
Pharmacology: A Pathophysiologic Approach
Professional Nursing I
Skills Lab
Acute Care Clinical I
4
2
2
2
2
Spring Semester
NURS 2225
NURS 2245
NURS 2260
NURS 2290
NURS 2390
Patient Centered Care II
Professional Nursing II
Patient & Family Centered Care for Special Populations
Acute Care Clinical II
Clinical in Alternate Settings
3
2
3
2
2
Notes: A nursing preceptorship NURS 2275 (1-2 credits) is optional upon completion of all nursing coursework.
Recommended electives include: ENGL 1102, humanities, social sciences (HIST 1101, HIST 1102, geography,
political science or economics), chemistry, BIOL 1115, PSYC 1101, college math or statistics.
Humanities: choose from the areas of art, literature, theatre, HIST 1111, HIST 1112, music, or any course with
HUM designator.
AS nursing students are required to participate in the ATI Integrated Testing Program. Required end of program
assessment will include:
 Completion of a ATI Integrated predictor exam prior to graduation
 Completion of a ATI Review course prior to authorization to test for NCLEX-PN exam
* Clinical experiences are a part of the program and are completed in area healthcare facilities located in southwest Minnesota.
On-campus and distance learning students need to be prepared to travel to local clinical sites as a program requirement.
Minnesota West Community & Technical College Associate of Science Nursing Program is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE. Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
Continued accreditation granted through Spring of 2023.
Nursing AS Curriculum
Page 2 of 2
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